Fascinating History of the "Silent Night" Carol which Silenced War - Over 200 Years Old - Originally from Austria and Written by a Priest - #SilentNight

The Christmas Carol, "Silent Night" is  over 200 years old. The famous Christmas carol was sung publicly for the first time in December 1818 in an Austrian Church. (Watch the Video Below)

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 200 years after it was first performed, many still sing "Stille Nacht," known in English as "Silent Night."

This Christmas carol briefly silenced guns in World War One and other wars!

The lyrics of "Silent Night," were written in German by priest Joseph Mohr in Salzburg when in the parish at Oberndorf (pictured above) and he asked the local  organist Franz Xaver Gruber to compose music for his poem.

It was played for the first time by Joseph  Mohr on December 24th, 1818, and sang together with Franz Xaver Gruber, the composer of the melody. It is thought that mice destroyed the organ just a few days before Christmas Eve and that they had to find another instrument; so it was played on guitar.

The Silent Night lyrics have been translated it nearly 300 languages and dialects.

German lyrics

Translation by John Young - English lyrics

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, Alles schläft; einsam wacht Nur das traute hochheilige Paar. Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar, Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh! Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh! Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, Hirten erst kundgemacht Durch der Engel Halleluja, Tönt es laut von fern und nah: Christ, der Retter ist da! Christ, der Retter ist da! Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund, Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'. Christ, in deiner Geburt! Christ, in deiner Geburt!

Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, holy night, Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born! Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love's pure light; Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

The Austrian UNESCO Commission has listed "Silent Night" as part of the  Cultural Heritage of Austria.